Summer sewing just hits differently, doesn’t it? ☀️
The days are longer, the fabrics are lighter, and suddenly your sewing room feels like a little creative retreat.
But here’s the thing - summer can also be busy. Between holidays, kids, garden BBQs, and actually wanting to enjoy the sunshine, it can be hard to squeeze in sewing time. So how do you make the most of those little pockets of time you do get?
Here are my favourite ways to get more sewing done this summer - without the stress.
1. Pick Your Projects and Get Prepped
One of the easiest ways to lose sewing time is faffing about deciding what to make, rummaging through your fabric stash, and hunting for that one rogue reel of thread. (I know I’m not the only one!)
Instead, give yourself a mini summer sewing plan:
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Pick 2–3 projects you’ll actually wear this season.
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Pair each with a fabric that’s perfect for the job.
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Pre-wash your fabric and pop the pattern, fabric, and bits of haberdashery in a project bag or basket.
A few ideas if you’re stuck:
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Joni Top - light, breezy, and gorgeous in a floaty viscose print.
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Jessica Dress - easy to sew, easy to wear. Perfect in a crisp cotton lawn.
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Lavinia Dress - a wide strappy sundress, and the best companion for those sunny evenings.
If everything’s ready to go, you can grab half an hour at the machine and actually sew instead of shuffling fabric around the table.
2. Batch Your Sewing (and Avoid the Stop-Start Frustration)
This is my secret weapon for productive sewing. Rather than cutting one day, sewing a bit the next, and then losing momentum, I like to batch my tasks:
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Have a cutting session – do 2–3 projects in one go.
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Have a prep session – wind a few bobbins, thread your overlocker, press your pieces.
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Then have a sewing day where you can just sit and stitch without distractions.
It feels so much calmer and faster – like a little production line, but in a fun, creative way. Read more about how to make the most of batch sewing.
3. Make Your Sewing Space Feel Like a Summer Treat
If your sewing space feels good to be in, you’ll want to use it. In summer, that means:
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Setting up near a window for all that gorgeous light 🌞
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Keeping a fan or window open if the iron is turning the room into a sauna
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Having all your scissors, pins, and markers where you can actually find them
I like to put on a podcast, make an iced coffee, and pretend I’m in my own little sewing bubble. Instant motivation.
4. Pick Fabrics That Feel Like Summer
Summer fabrics are wonderful to work with - they’re lighter, drapier, and just lovely to sew with.
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Viscose - dreamy for dresses and tops, with a beautiful drape.
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Cotton Lawn - crisp, easy to sew, and perfect for hot days.
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Linen - My all time favourite fabric - classic, breathable, and they only get softer with wear.
Grab a bright print or a soft pastel, and suddenly your sewing feels so summery.
5. Book a Workshop to Lock In Sewing Time
If you really want to make progress, sometimes the best trick is to book it into your diary. A workshop gives you a whole day to focus, plus:
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Hands-on guidance when you need it
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A proper chunk of sewing time (without the distractions at home)
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The buzz of finishing something you’re proud of
Our August workshops are the perfect excuse to carve out that “me-time”. From beginner-friendly Sew Easy PJs to the ever-popular Clone Your Clothes.
Your Summer Sewing Sorted
Summer flies by, but a bit of planning makes all the difference. Even if you only sew for short bursts, you’ll get more done - and actually enjoy it - if your projects, space, and mindset are ready to go.
So pour yourself something cold, pop open the windows, and give yourself permission to sew something just for you.
☀️ Check out our August workshops or browse our summer-friendly patterns [insert link] and start your next project today!